The Ferocious Engine of Democracy, Updated
From Theodore Roosevelt through George W. Bush
By (author) Michael P. Riccards
Publication date:
09 February 2003Length of book:
504 pagesPublisher
Cooper Square PressISBN-13: 9780815412571
In the first major, in-depth study since World War II, Michael P. Riccards provides a narrative history of the U.S. presidency, showing how the chief executives and their personalities shaped national events. Riccards provides coverage of each administration from TR to George W., with extended treatment of the more important presidents. Though there is some biographical material about each chief executive, the focus is on the issues, policies, legislative achievements and foreign policy decisions for each administration. Riccards freely offers his assessments of where each president's strengths and weaknesses were, and where they triumphed and failed during their terms in office.
· "I very much enjoyed reading The Ferocious Engine of Democracy, and I'm grateful to know of Riccards's perspective on the presidency." - Former President Bill Clinton· "Riccards views the U. S. presidency as a prism through which American politics and culture is reflected . …He writes very well, knows how to tell an interesting story, and is judicious in his evaluations." -Library Journal· "This narrative overview of the gargantuan literature of the presidency punctures myths and settles on conclusions not bound to please fans of this or that president…. A learned but nimble and astute survey." -Booklist